Career progression strike action continues

Signal workers in Scotland are on a 24-hour strike over career progression, following three days of industrial action at Christmas. The RMT union is leading the strike, with over 30 staff taking part.

The union claims Network Rail has ‘ripped up’ arrangements which allowed experienced staff to be ‘slotted’ into new posts when they become vacant.

Network Rail has stated that it believes the practice of ‘slotting’ has not been used since British Rail, and that appointments should be based on merit and suitability, not seniority.

Services on six routes to and from Glasgow Central would either be less frequent or withdrawn today, ScotRail suggested.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: “RMT has tried to reach a negotiated settlement to this unilateral ripping-up of a local arrangement but unfortunately the management have refused to see sense and have failed to engage with us at all since the strike action over Christmas.

“RMT members are furious at this refusal to comply with a local arrangement that offers genuine career progression opportunities.”

ScotRail told passengers: “We will add carriages to trains to accommodate as many customers as possible, and will have more staff on hand to assist you. This action is beyond the control of ScotRail and we apologise for any inconvenience.”